Pearl Gouramis

Pearl Gourami      (Trichogaster leeri )

Grows to: 4"

Hobbyist Level:  A hardy fish suitable for beginners.

How Many?  They are best kept as a single male with one or more females.  To keep multiple males, a large enough tank should be provided so each male can establish its own territory.

Housing: Provide plenty of swimming room as well as some bushy plants for hiding.  They prefer thick vegetation and dark substrate.  They swim in the mid to upper region of the tank.  They possess a labyrinth organ which permits them to breath air directly.  You will often see gouramis gulping air at the surface.  They enjoy a slow water current.  Minimum tank size is about 20 gallons. (Temperature- 74-82),  (pH 6.0-7.5)

Tank mates: They are durable fish that can readily mix with a variety of other community fish including tetras, barbs, sharks, and angels.  Keep them with fish of similar size.  They are more mild-mannered than many gouramis, and small specimens can be mixed with smaller fish.

Feeding:  They will accept a variety of foods.  Feed flakes, along with blood worms, brine shrimp and frozen foods.  They are an omnivore.

Natural Habitat:  Malaysia, Borneo, & Sumatra.   Fish sold at Elmer's are domestically raised.

Males and Females:  Males develop a deep red-orange coloration on their throat and will have a longer and more pointed dorsal fin as commonly seen in gouramis.  Females have a shorter, more rounded dorsal fin.